Just last week news came through that surprised and delighted all corners of Ireland… while we at Rowan Tree Hostel nodded and said “yep, we knew that already!” Our home, Ennis, was... more>

Just last week news came through that surprised and delighted all corners of Ireland… while we at Rowan Tree Hostel nodded and said “yep, we knew that already!” Our home, Ennis, was voted ‘The Friendliest Town in the Country’ in the Retail Ireland Excellence Awards, and as a big part of the town’s culture, we at the Hostel are bursting with pride. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you – Ennis warmth and hospitality is extraordinary. But perhaps there’s no better time to soak up the festive friendliness and cosy charm, than Christmas… and no more convenient a place to stay, than at our hostel.

Walk through the town on any day in the lead-up to Christmas, and it really feels like you’re on a Christmas movie set, or a festive card on the fireplace that’s suddenly come to life. Charming, winding, medieval streets with cobbles, bows and archways, a seasonal surprise around every corner. The whole town is trimmed with lights and brights, switched on at a nostalgic annual ceremony. Carol singers take to the streets and a massive Christmas tree takes pride of place in the main market place. It’s the Christmases you remember from your childhood

A gift of a shopping destinationTraditionally, the 10 December is THE Christmas shopping day in Ennis – when country folk would come into town and stock up for the season. But whenever you hit the shops at this time of year, you’ll find what you’re looking for. The shops are beautifully done up and most take part in an annual Christmas Window competition – while late-night shopping kicks off from the beginning of the month with special bargains, offers, festive foodie treats and fun for the kids. Ennis is also known as the boutique capital of Ireland – with hot, fashion spots that lead Irish design. From sparkling jewels to sports gear – Ennis has it all – topped with friendly, personal service everywhere you go. With a wealth of independent shops, ‘loving local’ is easy here – while market lovers are spoilt at this time of year too, with everything from the weekly Chapel Lane Craft Market to the Ennis Farmers’ Market’s fine array of locally-produced foods and goods.

On a festive note…Take the little ones to meet Santa, feel the magic on the street, and to really get you in the spirit, the historic and beautiful St. Columba's Church in Ennis is well-known for its wondrous Christmas concerts. What could be more festive than a magical candle-lit performance of your seasonal favourites… followed by a Christmassy treat and a seat by the fire at our sister-restaurant, Rowan Tree Cafe Bar?

It’s all on our doorstep…Of course the very best of it all is that you’re right at the heart of our village Christmas experience when you stay at Rowan Tree Hostel. The whole of Ennis in its Christmas finery is just an easy, safe and colourful stroll away. No need for a car when everything from shops to pubs and restaurants is right there… And your Christmas budget will love our excellent value-for-money room rates.

Get your bookings made…Even if you’re just in town for a festive party – why not make a night of it and book in with us? Remember we have beautiful private rooms, to really make your stay special. Take a look at our latest video to discover what you can expect – and we’ll be sharing some of our latest room upgrades with you soon.

Now all that remains is to wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us at Rowan Tree Hostel – and to thank you sincerely for all your support in the last year.

A quick reminder!It’s never too soon to think about 2018 reservations – especially if you’re making a group booking. So make sure you get in early! <less

25.09.17

CHOOSING A HOSTEL: WE TICK ALL THE RIGHT BOXES

When visitors to Rowan Tree ask us how we ‘get it right’ at our hostel, we give them one simple answer, and it’s the single guiding value that has been in place since the beginning:... more>

When visitors to Rowan Tree ask us how we ‘get it right’ at our hostel, we give them one simple answer, and it’s the single guiding value that has been in place since the beginning: we offer the kind of facilities and service that WE would want to receive from a hostel ourselves. Never expect a guest to be happy with something that we wouldn’t accept. It’s a simple rule – and it works. But we also understand that, when you’re thinking of staying with us, you might want a little more detail as to how we measure up. What can you expect? What are some of the ‘trademarks’ of a good hostel? How can hostel facilities help maximise your holiday time?

Of course there’s plenty of info available on line to help guide you on your way. But from official authorities like www.hostelworld.com to independent bloggers, there’s a general agreement as to exactly what to look out for. From breakfast to bunk beds – there are definite ‘tells’ which will help you answer the ultimate question ‘stay or nay?

The RIGHT accommodation for YOUMany hostels offer only dormitories. Some mix males with females, and only certain hostels offer private rooms. There’s no right or wrong here – it simply depends what YOU want. At Rowan Tree Hostel, we’re geared to offer you the exact accommodation you want and would never expect you to ‘put up’ with anything that makes you uncomfortable. Our room options include dorms for groups, through to family rooms, private rooms – and everything in between. Just let us know your specific need when booking.

Quality is in the detailThe last thing you want on holiday is to put up with a lumpy mattress! Our hostel has only the best quality beds along with superior linen, to add that extra level of comfort and pleasure. And it’s this kind of detail that gives you clues as to our general standards. Think about it… a hostel that goes to the trouble of having fine, matching bed linen is likely to take quality quite seriously. Another tick for Rowan Tree Hostel!

Breakfast included!Being able to start your day with a breakfast makes all the difference, but eating out daily can get expensive. That’s why it’s smart to choose a hostel that offers breakfast, like Rowan Tree , which offers a delicious continental breakfast INCLUDED in the daily rate.

Built-in privacyAlthough much of the love of hostel holidaying is the sociable aspect – this needn’t extend to all of your comforts. So be sure to check out what bathroom facilities are available. At Rowan Tree, most of our rooms have en suite bathrooms - and all bathrooms are modern, well-maintained and immaculately-kept.

DIY!Chances are you won’t want every meal out, and you can save quite a bit by rustling up a meal in the hostel. So kitchen facilities are important to give you this option. Rowan Tree Hostel has a modern, spacious and excellently-equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare meals.

Check-out the check-out timesYou didn’t expect to have such a late night and now you have to get up for an early check-out? Some hostels have quite restrictive check-out times, which won’t always suit you. At Rowan Tree we understand if you need a little extra time to get ready to leave – we won’t rush you.

Those little extrasThe days of hostel ‘back to basics’ are over – and the little extras offered can make the difference between a ho-hum experience and a great holiday. At Rowan Tree Hostel we offer free wi-fi, lockers for your peace of mind, and a relaxing, pleasant common area where you can chill after a busy day exploring.

Staff in-the-knowA hostel that is run by people who are knowledgeable about the area, its attractions and amenities, will add great value to your holiday – and can save you a fortune in time, money and effort. At Rowan Tree we love sharing our love for County Clare with our guests - and passing on lots of hints and tips.

Hostelworld and booking.com feature feedback from actual, recent hostel guests - Be sure to use these valuable tools!

Still not sure? Got questions you’d like answered? Just email us - info@rowantreehostel.ie. <less

03.08.17

FIND YOUR FOODIE PARADISE RIGHT HERE!

So many visitors to the Rowan Tree Hostel come for the history, discovering ancient Ireland at every stop. Some come for the photo opps, catching nature at its best – while others just... more>

So many visitors to the Rowan Tree Hostel come for the history, discovering ancient Ireland at every stop. Some come for the photo opps, catching nature at its best – while others just come for the craic and they’re never disappointed! And now we’re thrilled to be welcoming a new kind of guest at the hostel, with an appetite for the deliciously different and temptingly tasty! More and more, fabulous foodies are finding their hunger satisfied by the local Irish culinary delights that Clare has to offer – and Rowan Tree is perfectly placed for you to help yourself to it all!

Nestled in the heart of Ennis, Rowan Tree is right on the doorstep of The Burren – a vast national park famous for its limestone pavement and megalithic tombs. But the area is also much-loved as ‘nature’s larder’ – because of the wonderful array of local foods and ingredients grown and produced here. Bringing to life the ethic of ‘from farm to fork’, The Burren Food Trail is a great way to sample a kind of ‘natural smorgasbord.’ And whether it’s fresh salmon, crunchy vegetables or rich artisanal chocolate, you’ll discover a host of gems to suit every taste and interest.

From your convenient base here at Rowan Tree Hostel, the Burren Food Trail is a must - and there are 5 different routes to choose from - the Garden Market Trail, Farm to Fork, Taste of the Ocean, the Burren Cheese Trail, and the Nature Child Trail. Or you might prefer to just dip in and out of the routes as you go. Starting out from Ennis and just up the road in Inagh, is the legendary St Tola Organic Goat Cheese Farm. Run by Siobhan Ni Gharbhith, the farm has been producing handmade cheeses since the early 1980’s – and the St Tola range is now among the most sought-after artisan products in Ireland.

Continuing on the theme of cheese, a good next stop is The Cheese Press in Ennistymon. Owned by Sinead Ni Gharbhith – sister of St Tola founder, Siobhan – this fabulous, 5-star treasure offers a magnificent array of locally-produced cheeses, breads and other deli treats, and is just outstanding! Trust us, you’ll love it.

If you’re heading to the Cliffs of Moher, an ideal stop is The Copper Pot in Liscannor – a charming French patisserie serving artisanal pastries, cakes and pizzas. A local hero busy taking The Burren by storm is new Anam coffee – a small artisan company that imports the best, sustainably-produced raw coffee beans and roasts them by hand at their small roastery in The Burren. Sample it at The Copper Pot – coffee aficionados will be spoiled for life!

No West Clare food trail would be complete without a visit to the famous, award-winning Burren Smokehouse. Here, owner and master fish smoker Peter Curtin produces the most delicious smoked salmon, trout and locally caught mackerel – combining raw ingredients with expertise, traditional methods and patience. There are also many proprietary creations on offer – such as Hot Smoked Salmon with honey, lemon and dill or pepper, infused with delicate oaky flavour, or cold smoked salmon with seaweed flakes. Next door at the visitor centre you can also learn more about the fish smoking process – and purchase some delicious take-home treats.

Of course, what better way to end off a day of foodie exploration than by sampling some of its highlights back at your accommodation in Ennis. At Rowan Tree Hostel we are very proud owners of Rowan Tree Cafe Bar – a restaurant right next door to the hostel which is supplied by many of the Burren food producers. The café is loved for its deliciously-tantalising, modern, international menu – using local ingredients in fresh, creative ways. So call in for lunch or dinner and taste Burren Smoke House salmon, St Tola cheese and farm-reared, traditionally-produced meat prepared in style.

So all the more reason to add County Clare and Rowan Tree Hostel onto your foodie bucket list. So make your hostel reservations, come hungry - and help yourself! <less

25.05.17

24 Hours at Rowan Tree Hostel

So you’re sitting half-way across the world, planning your great Irish experience and all the magic that awaits? Or perhaps your family is planning an outdoor adventure and beautiful,... more>

So you’re sitting half-way across the world, planning your great Irish experience and all the magic that awaits? Or perhaps your family is planning an outdoor adventure and beautiful, historical Clare has made your list of ‘must see’ places? Rowan Tree Hostel is catching your eye – offering superb-quality accommodation at an amazing value-for-money price… So what should you expect? What might a day in the life of Rowan Tree Hostel look like? Well, try this for size...

Whether you’re part of a tour or making your own way here, you’ll love your first sight of Rowan Tree. As you make your way through the historic, winding centre of medieval Ennis, you’ll find us tucked into the beautiful bend of the river, and you may even be treated to a welcoming pageant from our resident ducks and swans! As soon as you arrive you’ll feel the incredibly warm atmosphere that is the spirit of Rowan Tree. Hostel people are sociable people – and whether are guests come from Germany, the States, Australia or New Zealand – they bring energy and excitement with them.

Checking into your room will be one of your greatest surprises in store - because Rowan Tree is definitely NOT your typical hostel! You’ll love the history of our beautiful old building that dates back to 1740 when it was an elegant gentleman’s club. We’re really proud of our rooms too! Spacious, ultra-clean and comfortable, many have been newly-decorated and we have double, twin and multi-bed rooms to choose from, many with en suite bathrooms. We also have dorms, which sleep up to 14 people.

If you’re arriving around lunch-time, it’s a great time to sample our sister restaurant, the Rowan Tree Cafe Bar. This little gem is all about ‘putting the heart into home-grown’ – and enjoying delicious, traditional food prepared from the freshest local ingredients, with a creative spin. So be sure to join us for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch.

After lunch, perhaps explore the town a little. The Hostel is perfectly positioned within walking distance of everything - from historical sights and cultural attractions to boutique shopping and lively nightlife. Then of course, if you’re coming to this part of the world, the Cliffs of Moher will definitely be on your ‘to do’ list. The Bus Eireann is a convenient way to get there and there are many ways to view the Cliffs’ natural wonder, stretching for 8 km along the coastline and reaching a height of 214 metres. You could choose to follow the cliff-top walking trail from Doolin to Liscannor, then take the shuttle bus back to Doolin. If you prefer, you could take a 360 degree ferry ride around the Cliffs, and view their splendour from the water.

Back in Ennis, why not wind the day down with some relaxing yoga – a regular feature at our hostel on a Tuesday and Thursday, or enjoy a game of pool in our entertainment room. For your evening meal, if you’d rather eat in you’ll love the hostel’s own self-catering kitchen – superbly-equipped and clean and like the rest of the Hostel, it is of a very high standard. Afterwards, wander through town and enjoy a pint of the Black Stuff and a traditional music session at one of the many town bars and pubs. And whether you’re into rock, pop or a lively bit of pub quiz – it’s all here, with just an easy stroll back to the Hostel.

Before turning in for the night, there’s just time to perhaps pack a picnic in the Hostel kitchen, ready for the next day’s outing. Then it’s sweet dreams till tomorrow – when another adventure awaits! <less

28.03.17

HELLO FESTIVAL FEVER!

It seems to happen almost overnight! One day Ennis is a quiet town in winter, going about its business – the next, posters go up, people are on the streets and the pretty, winding... more>

It seems to happen almost overnight! One day Ennis is a quiet town in winter, going about its business – the next, posters go up, people are on the streets and the pretty, winding streets take on a new splash of colour and life! Festival season has come to town! Just as the first daffodil marks the arrival of early Spring, so the Ennis Book Club Festival heralds the beginning of a string of fabulous celebrations and special interest festivities that continues right through summer – and truly promises something for everyone. Whatever your passion and however you choose to explore this fascinating little part of the world – you’ll find it embraced in fine form, here in colourful, creative, musical, fashionable Ennis! And enjoying a stay at Rowan Tree Hostel gives you a comfortable, quality and sociable gateway to it all!

Each year The Ennis Book Club Festival, held in early March, seems to burn bigger and brighter – a fabulous mix of readings, discussions, comedy and fun focused on all things books! And of course, plenty of big name authors sharing their thoughts and work. This year’s chapter of the festival was no different. As usual, lots of guests checked in to the Rowan Tree Hostel, while our sister restaurant, Rowan Tree Café Bar, hosted its legendary ‘Books and Buns’ Morning. Another highlight at the café was a Festival Club evening – a sociable event where guests mingled with authors and enjoyed the typical great local food for which the Café Bar is famous – from St Tola’s Goat’s Cheese to traditionally cured fine meats.

Coinciding with the Festival is the West Clare Drama Festival in Doonbeg – where three act plays by Irish and international writers are performed and compete for nomination to the All-Ireland Finals. There’s no better way to sample the culture and Ireland’s passion for story-telling – and it’s just a short drive out of Ennis.

The next stop for the ‘festival bus’ is St Patrick’s Day – and Ennis is all about the craic! Each year there’s a fabulous parade through the town, showcasing the very best of local clubs, culture, interests and groups – from Irish dancing to hurling. The whole town is a party!

And talking of tradition, you’ll be stuck for choice when looking to sample something ‘typically Irish’. Take the Annual National Concertina Convention for example – a salute to the instrument’s special place in the local music landscape. There are concerts, performances, workshops and socials – and a chance to just enjoy this essentially Irish passion… all within walking distance of our hostel.

Ennis (and surrounding villages) is also known for its colourful character and quirky appreciation of life – which really comes alive in festivals such as the Irish Best Beard and Moustache Championships in Corofin… and of course the world famous Father Ted Festival that honours Ireland’s favourite off-beat priest!

If you’re a lover of nature and gardening, you’ll get your own dose of festival fever – with the headline act being the Clare Garden Festival: a truly impressive show of show gardens, garden and food stalls, competitions and expert demos. It’s a must – and a great family day out. Then there’s the Burren in Bloom Festival – a series of talks and guided walks celebrating the May blooming of the unique and diverse range of flowers in the Burren.

If we tell you that this is all before summer even kicks off, you’ll see why Ennis is a festival fan’s paradise – and Rowan Tree Hostel is the best way to enjoy it all. We’re all about the spirit – the sharing of experiences and festival friendliness. And whatever type of room you’re looking for – from single rooms to 14-sleeper dorms - we welcome you! We’d love to see you festival with us soon! <less

08.02.17

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE!

Your holiday starts NOWLet’s face it – February isn’t the best friend of many! The festive season is already a distant memory but it’s too soon to feel Spring in... more>

Your holiday starts NOWLet’s face it – February isn’t the best friend of many! The festive season is already a distant memory but it’s too soon to feel Spring in your step. Dark mornings and the kind of weather that’s not for sissies can challenge even the most ‘glass is half full’ kind of people! But there’s one pretty amazing thing about this time of the year that should not be underestimated: it’s the perfect time to start planning your summer holiday! Early-booking discounts and great specials reward those who think ahead – and you should think no further than County Clare, Ireland. After a long, hard winter, what could be sweeter than an authentic Irish experience in this truly amazing part of the world – with Rowan Tree Hostel as your convenient, quality and welcoming base?

Do the Group ThingIf you’re thinking group holiday – Rowan Tree is the perfect choice and is perfectly suited to small and large-groups alike. From literary folk to musicians and sports enthusiasts – we open our doors and our hearts to special interest tours from all over the world. Music brings many holiday makers to this part of the world where you’ll find everything from formal traditional music festivals to lively, spontaneous live trad sessions in most of the pubs. This year, Ennis is once again playing host to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - the world’s biggest Irish music festival – and the town is going to rock!

If you’re more interested in getting out there and seeing the sights, your group will find its happy place here too! Just a half hour drive from Ennis, the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s premier sight-seeing destinations – and a wide range of groups, from birders and photographers to walkers and geologists find their passion at this natural wonder. Views of forever, animal and bird life second to none and magical boat trips across to the Aran Islands are all part of the experience – and a stay at Rowan Tree is sure to top off the treat. Sports enthusiasts are taken care of too – with Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park just minutes away from us, as well as the nearby Ballyalla Lake which offers everything from kayaking to canoeing and paddle-boarding.

Me TimeIf going solo on your travels is your thing, you’ll find Ennis to be a safe, friendly and open town, where you’ll feel quite comfortable dining or strolling around alone. Single travellers love the relaxed and secure feel of our hostel – while we offer lots of great extras such as Power Yoga sessions. Headed up by yoga teacher Sarah Downes, these are a great way to stay chilled and centred on your travels. Just be sure to book in advance.

We are FamilyFor a family holiday, it really is hard to beat Rowan Tree because we offer fun and relaxed hostel accommodation of the highest standards – with a range of room options and package specials to suit. Ennis is great for little people, with lots going on and plenty of kiddie-friendly restaurants (not forgetting our sister eatery next door, Rowan Tree Café Bar). And one thing’s for sure – you’ll never be stuck for things to do! Great family days out that are just a hop away include the famous Aillwee Caves as well as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park - a beautiful 15th century furnished castle with a living rural village that kids love! And when you’re ready for some sea and sun, you’ve got a string of beautiful Blue Flag beaches nearby – from Lahinch to Kilkee.

Whatever type of holiday you’re into – Ennis and Rowan Tree Hostel make a formidable team and we’d love to welcome you here. So leave the winter blues behind for a moment and contact us now to discuss a stay with us! After that, we think February will seem a whole lot easier! Here’s to great summer planning!

There are hostels… then there’s Rowan Tree!Testament to our absolute quality accommodation, we have just received a great accolade from Trivago: they include us in their ‘Top 10 Best Value for Money Accommodation in Ireland’ listing. Our superior rooms, option of kingsize beds, couple and family rooms and great touches like Egyptian cotton sheets and balconies in many of the rooms, truly set us apart. <less

Farmer, activist, writer and thinker, Wendell Berry said “If you don't know where you're from, you'll have a hard time saying where you're going.” At Rowan Tree Hostel, we’re lucky enough to meet backpackers and adventurers who totally get this way of thinking: a sense of ‘knowing’, and just being comfortable with who they are and where they’re headed in life. And it’s a concept that rings true for us hostel team members too! We’ve come a long way in the past year, and its learning from all the great things that have happened that is helping us shape an even bigger and better 2017!

Then…Without a doubt, globally, this year has been an interesting one! This time last year who knew what would lie ahead? And just as we’re sure you’re doing, we at Rowan Tree Hostel are using the last bit of 2016 to reflect on what we’ve achieved in the past months. It’s been a year full of new meetings and happy greetings, visitors new and old, new successes and goals reached. 2016 saw our town playing host to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – and we’re ready to do it all again next year! (Have you booked with us yet?) We’re also really excited that more and more people are starting to discover that for touring in the West of Ireland, all roads lead to Ennis – making it the ideal central base for exploring the region. We’ve had festival after festival, Trad Week and more – and Rowan Tree Hostel has been at the centre of it all, offering accommodation of the highest quality standard at true value-for-money rates.

Now…Right now, we’re topping off a great year with an exciting new addition to our hostel line-up: We have partnered with the dynamic yoga teacher, Sarah Downes of Power Yoga – who is now offering fun and energetic Vinyasa ‘Flow’ style yoga from a comfortable and relaxing studio at the Hostel. Sarah is a backpacker herself, so she knows the importance of feeling grounded when you’re on the move – and her classes are the perfect way to really make sure you relax and chill-out on your travels. A quick tip! Her classes are very popular – so to make sure you don’t lose out, just call us in advance of your visit and we’ll make you a booking.

On that note, now is also a good time to start thinking about your accommodation booking for next year – especially if you are travelling as a group. We’re already getting lots of group enquiries for throughout 2017, so to make sure you can secure the dates you want, just send us an email or call us.Soon…

To add even more value to your time with us, we’re busy looking at introducing a range of exciting, fun and entertaining facilities and activities at Rowan Tree Hostel – the kind of thing you might want to experience during your time in Ireland. It could be a foodie class to learn how to bake traditional Irish bread… perhaps an Irish movie and pizza evening! We’re looking at developing a programme with something different on each day of the week and we’ll be letting you know details very soon!

So for the year that was and all the lies ahead – we thank you for your support and wish you everything of the very best for the festive season and new year. We look forward to welcoming you at the Hostel soon! <less